Mad Hair Monday: D' Angela Knowles

Hey Kurlees! It's Monday and the start of another fabulous week! Our model today is D'Angela Knowles. I'm loving her beautiful golden locs. 

Tell us a little about your natural hair journey:  

"I've been natural since June 16th 2009 (Almost 3 years). 

I 

try to change up the styles in my hair every so often because I get bored easily! When I had relaxed hair I would cut, color and have a different style every month. So it shocked everyone when I decided to loc my hair. Truth is, I wanted to loc all my life but my mom didn't want me to. I finally made up my mind to do so anyway and it was one of the best decisions ever. The locking process taught me so much about being natural and also humility; it wasn't easy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I color my hair a lot to change things up a bit. I used to crimp my hair a lot as well but after it grew out I became fond of wearing it in loose spiral curls. I like to pin up my hair and/or wear it in a bun as well, especially when I'm going out at night. "

If you want to be featured as our Mad Hair Monday model send your photos to info@kurleebelle.com. 

Did 'Desperate Housewives' Really just say that?

What happened to your hair? Is what Lynette (played by Felicity Huffman) asked Renee (played by Vanessa Williams) after Renee's hair was afro'ed out by her hair stylist. Renee who usually wears a straight look was very upset that her hair was less than straight and continued by covering it up with a scarf. Being a lover of Desperate Housewives since the premiere, I was baffled at this part of the story line that sends the message that black women should be ashamed of their natural roots. Although, I will not go as far as boycotting the show. It is puzzling to me that a station like ABC which seems to condone everything under sun would write such a story line in one of its most popular shows...........Renee's response to Lynette: "At least I can cover up this mess."----which she did with the scarf.

5 Mistakes When Going Natural

The natural hair journey isn't easy but with a little guidance YOU can do it! On my journey, I have made a lot of mistakes that I think will be helpful to those of you transitioning or thinking about taking the plunge. 

1. Hair Copy Cat------->Watching numerous vloggers twist, braid and twine their hair. I thought to myself "My hair can look like that". Turns out everyone's hair texture is unique. A common mistake of new naturals is the thought that their hair will look like their favorite blogger or vlogger. complete misunderstanding. It is called a natural hair journey for a reason because it is a journey of self discovery and discovering what your natural hair texture really looks like. 

2. The Straight weave----->I did not want to do the big chop for various reasons so I decided to transition by wearing straight weave. Turns out the portion on top of my head that was left out to cover the tracks became permanently straight after all the heat processing. My advice to ladies who prefer to transition by wearing a weave, find a curly one. In particular a weave that can blend with your hair texture and use flexi or spiral rods to curl the portion of your hair that is left out. By using heatless styling tools you will not damage the portion of hair that is exposed. 

3. Flat Ironing------>I wish I had known this sooner. After I decided to get off of the creamy crack. I resorted to flat ironing as a way to blend my curly roots with straight ends. Complete "No No". Turns out my "fine" hair texture and a combination of Dominican blow outs are a recipe for disaster. For a year and a half, I got blow outs which stunted the process of growing natural curls. If you have fine textured hair avoid heat styling at all cost. 

4. Long Hair don't care Obsession----->I love bangs. All of my friends can attest to this. So when my newly natural curls didn't exactly fall down onto my forehead I was highly frustrated and upset. I did whatever it took to manipulate my hair to fall onto my forehead but it insisted on sticking up in the air. Letting go of what you used to look like or what you are used to your hair doing will save lots of anxiety on your natural hair journey. Always remember, straight hair is not your hair. You are a highly textured goddess of beauty and getting more comfortable with the new and true YOU will be well worth it in the end. 

5. Not Consulting a Natural Hair Care Professional------->All of the above mistakes could have been avoided if I had consulted a hair care professional before I transitioned. If you are thinking about transitioning visit a natural hair salon for a consultation. These stylist are very knowledgeable and can inform you on the pitfalls of transitioning that will save a lot of headache, time and money. 

Who wore it best: Alicia Keys vs. Jada Pinkett-Smith?

Cornrows can be a tough look to pull off if you're trying to look elegant but these two ladies make cornrows look edgy and classy.  You be the judge. Who wore it best? Alicia or Jada?

Mad Hair Monday: Jess Gray of HairGetsKinky.com

Hello Kurlees! It is Mad Hair Monday! Yea I know you wish you didn't have to work today but those bills gotta get paid. Featured below is our Mad Hair Monday model of the week Jess Gray. Jess achieved the below style by creating a french roll in the back then twisted the front into a cinnamon bun shaped pompadour. For more looks from Jess check out her site here. 

Natural Hair + Chocolate

Black Is Beautiful BUT Chocolate is HOT

One of the best things about chocolate is it comes in all shades...

What is your Natural Hair Fashion Personality?

Classic

Think Audrey Hepburn or Coco Chanel. Are you the type to wear a little black dress with minimal jewelry. A blazer, crisp white button down with skinny jeans? Women who have a classic fashion personality love timeless fashion designs like tailored trousers, sleek pumps, or cocktail dresses. Classic fashionista's are able to wear their clothing and accessories for years even though the trends change. Value is important to you and you gravitate towards expensive clothing. 

Your closet: neutral colors, solid colors, fine natural fabrics, leather shoes and handbags...

Romantic

Think Corraine Bailey Rae or Scarlett O'Hara. Ruffles, frills, lace and other feminine details excite you. You most identify with the Victorian era long floral skirts, dresses and loose fitting trousers. You probably don't own a suit and your idea of work attire is a nice flowing dress with a cardigan. You are ultra feminine and prefer soft, flowing fabrics. 

Your closet: Soft pastel colors, dresses and skirts that fall below the knee, long sweaters, pants that are soft and drapery, vintage jewelry, hats and gloves

Casual

Think Ciara or Lil Mama. Comfy is what you aim for. You're the girl at the club that would prefer to wear sneakers as your dancing shoes rather than heels. You live your life free of restrictions which is seen through your fashion sense. Spanx, dresses or pumps are not an option.....if it isn't comfy you ain't wearing it. Period. You carry the same handbag for months and don't wear a ton of jewelry. Matching isn't really a concern of yours. Nike should be your middle name..

Your closet: Flip flops, sneakers, T-shirts, sweat pants, hats and jeans...

Trendy

Think Sarah Jessica Parker or Kim Kardashian. You are the talk of the town. You're always in the latest, newest, cutting edge fashion designs. You're ahead of the game and unlike those who follow trends you set trends. You were born to work at Vogue or InStyle. Fashion is muy importante to you!  Your friends call you for advice on what to wear and you throw an outfit together without thinking twice. Your style is most influenced by celebrity fashion and fashion magazines. Value doesn't matter to you from Forever 21 or Couture. 

Your closet: Clothing and accessories that are in stores now, colors, prints, whatever is HOT right now, shoes, handbags, jewelry (You are the queen of accessories)....

Which Fashion Style fits your personality?

Mad Hair Monday: Kimbella of Love & Hip-Hop

This week's Mad Hair Monday model is Kimbella of VH1's Love & Hip-Hop. Kimbella is known for her provocative outfits, baby daddy Julez Santanna and stunning looks. What we like most about Kimbella is her gorgeous gold curly locks. If you have fierce natural hair send your photo to info@kurleebelle.com to be featured as our Mad Hair Monday model of the week! 

The Natural Hair Look Book: Afros

Who said Afro's are not SEXY? Shut your mouth! 

Bed Head---Natural Hair Night time Regimen!

Night time hair care regimens are one of the biggest struggles of black woman. We all watch reality shows where stars like Kim Kardashian just roll out of bed all perfect and we think to ourselves…."OH OK".  As a naturalista, I have perfected my night time hair care regimen of twisting or braiding my hair then applying a satin bonnet. My boyfriend sometimes complains "Do you have to sleep with that bonnet on every night?" and my non black friends don't understand why I sleep with rollers in or wear a scarf at night….but the truth remains "our" hair is delicate and requires extra TLC especially when we sleep. 

My nightly hair care regimen includes lightly spraying my hair with water, applying a water based moisturizer, twisting/braiding and protecting with a satin bonnet. The problem with this is, the more you manipulate the hair. The more prone your hair is to damage and breakage. Styling my hair daily, has been a habit from the beginning of my natural hair journey. Mainly due to the fact that I like my curls to always be defined. This is a very bad habit and one of my New Year's resolutions is to style every other day instead of daily. 

At the end of the day there are only TWO rules to a successful Natural Hair Night time Regimen. 

NHNTR Rule #1: Apply a Satin/Silk Bonnet or Satin/Silk pillowcase to minimize friction while sleeping. 

NHNTR Rule #2: Dry hair can be fatal. Daily moisturizing in the form of a water based moisturizer and an oil as a sealer to keep the moisture in.

What's your NHNTR?

Mad Hair Monday: Short Cut with Bronze & Gold Highlights

It's Monday ya'll.....and our Natural Hair model of the day is Melissa Chanel of MelissaChanel blog. Melissa has a short cut which is low in the back and longer on top. To compliment her skin tone and hazel eyes she has bronze and gold highlights. Check out her blog about natural hair and fashion @www.melissachanel2.blogspot.com. If you have fly natural hair send your photo to info@kurleebelle.com to be featured as a Mad Hair Monday model. 

Mad Hair Monday: Fiery Red

Hair done. Nails done. Everything did. If you think you're fancy send your natural hair photo to info@kurleebelle.com to be featured as our Mad Hair Monday model of the week. Every Monday we will post a gorgeous photo of a naturalista and it could be you! Happy New Year & do it big in 2012.